Spectacles for light therapy

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides for eyeglasses to deliver light therapy to the wearer. The eyeglass lenses or frames feature an embedded light source in logical and electrical communication with power, sensors, processors, and other components contained within the eyeglasses.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 61/439,403 filed Feb. 4, 2011; the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF USE

This invention describes a light therapy delivery mechanism for treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other purposes. More specifically, in some embodiments, the invention provides eyeglasses including features for intelligent delivery of light therapy.

BACKGROUND

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a well-established mood disorder wherein sufferers experience depressive symptoms in a certain season of the year, most frequently during winter months. Those affected by SAD often have normal mental health during most of the year. Symptoms of SAD may include, but are not limited to, excessive sleeping, lack of energy, craving carbohydrates, difficulty concentrating, and withdrawal from social activities. The symptoms result in feelings of depression, hopelessness, pessimism, and lack of pleasure.

Seasonal mood variations are believed to be related to changes in exposure to light. Geographic areas, such as the Arctic region, that experience fewer daylight hours, lower sunlight intensity, or significant periods of overcast skies exhibit a greater incidence of SAD. Variations in prevalence of SAD within the adult population are evident within the United States, ranging from low rates in Florida and other sunny states to notably higher rates in Alaska, New Hampshire and other northern or overcast areas.

Light therapy has been researched and established as a prominent and effective treatment for classic, or winter-based, seasonal affective disorder. Light therapy employs a device which emits significantly more lumens than a standard incandescent lamp. Common implementations include the preferred bright white full spectrum light at 10,000 lux, or optionally blue light at a wavelength of 480 nm at 2,500 lux, or green light at a wavelength of 500 nm at 350 lux. Light therapy normally requires a patient to sit with their eyes open at a prescribed distance from the light source for thirty to sixty minutes each day. This seasonal treatment is maintained for several weeks until the patient experiences frequent exposure to natural light. A majority of patients find the therapy inconvenient and a considerable percentage, in some studies up to 19%, therefore stop treatment. New methods and approaches are therefore desirable to deliver light therapy in a more convenient, continuous, and intelligent manner.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention includes eyeglasses capable of delivering light therapy to the wearer. The eyeglass lenses or frames feature an embedded light source in logical and electrical communication with power, sensors, processors, and other components contained within the temple of the eyeglasses.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a back view of eyeglasses with light sources embedded in the lenses and with supporting electronics contained within the temple according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of eyeglasses with light sources embedded in the lenses according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a close-up view of an eyeglass lens with embedded light sources according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of an eyeglass lens with embedded light sources mounted in spectacle frames according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of an eyeglass temple piece housing supporting electronics according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of an eyeglass temple piece opened to show supporting electronics according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates one side of supporting electronics from within an eyeglass temple piece according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a second side of supporting electronics from within an eyeglass temple piece according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of eyeglasses with light sources embedded in the frame according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes methods and apparatus for delivering light therapy using eyeglasses with embedded light sources.

In the following sections detailed descriptions of embodiments of the invention will be given. The description of both preferred and alternative embodiments are exemplary embodiments only, and it is understood that to those skilled in the art that variations, modifications and alterations may be apparent. It is therefore to be understood that said exemplary embodiments do not limit the scope of the underlying invention.

Glossary

In this description and claims directed to the presented invention, various terms may be used for which the following definitions will apply:

Intelligent light therapy: as used herein refers to a method of delivering light therapy whereby a processor evaluates various data and, based on data analysis, dynamically makes compensating adjustments to a programmed light therapy schedule. Adjusting light therapy based on the user's exposure to ambient light is one example of intelligent light therapy.

Light therapy: as used herein refers to exposure to specific wavelengths of light, controlled with various devices, and administered for a specified amount of time, at a specified intensity, and, in some cases, at a specified time of day.

Lux: as used herein refers to units of illumination in the International System of Units (SI). Lux provides a measure of luminous power per area. One lux is the amount of illumination provided when one lumen is evenly distributed over an area of one square meter. This is also equivalent to the illumination that would exist on a surface all points of which are one meter from a point source of one international candle. One lux is equal to 0.0929 foot-candle.

Optical Zone: as used herein refers to an area of an ophthalmic lens through which a wearer of the ophthalmic lens sees.

Programmed light therapy schedule: as used herein refers to a set of automated instructions that controls light therapy timing, duration and intensity based on variables such as dates, geographic region, and severity of a user's seasonal affective disorder symptoms. A programmed light therapy schedule may be set by an eye care professional, a medical doctor, or a user.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): as used herein refers to a mood disorder that occurs during seasons when exposure to sunlight is limited, characterized by symptoms of depression and relieved by the arrival of spring or by light therapy. A recurrent state of depression, usually experienced by people in winter, thought to be related to lack of sunlight.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a back view of spectacle frames 101 with light sources 102 embedded in lenses 103 is illustrated. Light sources 102 may also be mounted on the surface of lenses 103. Light sources 102 may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or other lights which emit blue light at wavelengths of 450 to 500 nanometers, most preferably at 470 to 480 nanometers, and at 2,000 to 3,000 lux. Alternatively, LEDs or other lights may emit green light at wavelengths of 475 to 525 nanometers, most preferably at 490 to 510 nanometers, and at 300 to 400 lux. Additionally, the light source 102 may be secured in any other manner which allows

In another embodiment, a single light source may be piped to one or more locations within an eyeglass lens 103 or eyeglass frame 101 to provide illumination. Light pipes may include, for example, fiber optic pathways.

An example of illuminated light sources is illustrated at 104. A light source 102 provides illumination toward a wearer's eyes such that an illumination is not obvious to an observer.

In another embodiment, light sources 102 are positioned such that light is directed into a lens 103. A lens 103 may include light scattering properties in areas where light is specifically directed or light scattering properties throughout a lens 103. Light scattering areas may include diffractive properties, refractive properties, reflective properties or any combination of diffractive, refractive and reflective properties. Light scattering areas act to diffuse light, achieving presentation of a soft glow rather than a glaring ray before a user's eye. In some preferred embodiments, light scattering areas may form a ring within a perimeter area of an eyeglass lens 103 and may include an internal barrier between a light scattering area and an optical zone in a central portion of a lens 103. An internal barrier prevents light intended for light therapy from being dispersed into an optical zone of a lens 103, minimizing the effect of light therapy luminescence on normal vision. In still other embodiments, an entire lens 103 includes light scattering properties designed such that it disperses only light of wavelengths emitted by embedded light sources 102. This embodiment supports maximum dispersion of light wavelengths intended for light therapy while not causing dispersion of light wavelengths that would affect normal vision. A lens 103 may include a coating which shields light therapy luminescence from being readily noticed by an observer while not diminishing a user's light therapy or vision.

In the present embodiment, light sources 102 are connected to one another via conductive paths 105. Conductive paths 105 may be wires embedded within a lens 103, or may be a conductive material, such as, for example, gold, copper, silver or other metal or conductive fiber applied to a surface of a lens 103 via pad printing, sputter coating, vapor deposition or other known method. Conductive paths 105 are in electrical and logical communication with supporting electronics contained within one or both temple pieces 109. In some embodiments, supporting electronics are miniaturized such that they may be contained in other areas of eyeglasses, such as, for example, in areas near a hinge 107, within a frame above a lens 108, within a bridge 110, within an earpiece 111, or other area.

One or more light sensors 106 are used to detect ambient white light, blue light or green light. Light sensors 106 may be located within an eyeglass frame 101 near a hinge 107, within a frame above a lens 108, within a temple piece 109, within a bridge 110, or other appropriate area where a sensor 106 will not be obstructed, such as by hair. A light sensor 106 is in electrical and logical communication with supporting electronics contained within one or both temple pieces 109 or other area of eyeglasses.

In some embodiments, a user control element 112, such as a switch or button, is provided to allow a user to adjust timing, duration and intensity of light therapy. One or more user control elements 112 may be present in temple pieces 109 or other areas of eyeglasses, such as, for example, in areas near a hinge 107, within a frame above a lens 108, within a bridge 110, within an earpiece 111, or other area. Some embodiments provide for a basic operational state, wherein light therapy is controlled manually by a user starting and stopping therapy at appropriate times.

According to the present embodiment, a programmed light therapy schedule may, for example, automatically adjust light therapy timing, duration and intensity based on variables such as dates, geographic region, and severity of a user's seasonal affective disorder symptoms. A programmed light therapy schedule may be set by an eye care professional, a medical doctor, or a user. During programmed light therapy, it may be desirable for a user to adjust light intensity based on an activity, such as, for example, decreasing light intensity when reading, working on a computer, or driving. Conversely, it may be desirable to increase light intensity during work breaks, lunch break, or other less visually active times. In some embodiments, intelligent light therapy is delivered when a processor evaluates manual changes to a programmed light therapy schedule and provides compensating adjustments in duration and intensity of treatment. In still other embodiments, intelligent light therapy is achieved when data from light sensors 106 is analyzed by a processor and a programmed light therapy schedule is dynamically adjusted based on a wearer's exposure to ambient light.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a user may manually adjust light therapy based on the results of blood testing for melatonin levels. Melatonin produced by the pineal gland is inhibited by light and increases with darkness. Higher levels of melatonin promote sleepiness and lethargy, symptoms of seasonal affective disorder. Analysis of the level of melatonin in a patient's blood may be used as a guide to increase or decrease light therapy.

In still other embodiments, a user may manually adjust light therapy to intentionally alter their sleep cycle. The use of light therapy for sleep cycle alteration may be valuable for persons working night shifts, for persons travelling to significantly different time zones, for military personnel preparing for night operations, and other uses. Additionally, light therapy initiated by the user upon awakening may be used to treat circadian rhythm disorders such as delayed sleep phase syndrome (DSPS) and non-24-hour sleep-wake syndrome.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a front view of spectacle frames 201 with light sources 202 embedded in lenses 203 is illustrated. Light sources 202 are connected to one another via conductive paths 204.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated is a close-up view of a single eyeglass lens 301 with embedded light sources 302 connected via conductive paths 303. While the embodiment described in this application shows eight light sources 302 per lens 301, other embodiments may include fewer or more light sources 302 per lens 301 and may include light sources 302 in varying locations and patterns within a lens 301. To provide a sense of scale, a lens 301 is shown placed over a standard U.S. quarter dollar coin 304. Not shown in this diagram is a mechanism for providing electrical communication between the light sources 302 and supporting electronics. Electrical communication may be provided, for example, via a conductive contact between a source located in a temple of a pair of eyeglasses, via a conductive wire, a conductive ribbon wire, or via wireless modes, such as inductance. Inductance may be accomplished, for example, via an antenna located in the lens or the lens frame and a power source transmitting power from a temple piece or other proximate location to the antenna.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a close-up view of a single eyeglass lens 401 with embedded light sources 402 connected via conductive paths 403 is illustrated mounted into an eyeglass frame 404.

Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated is a close-up view of a portion of an eyeglass temple piece 501 which houses supporting electronics. The temple piece 501 is not fully closed as evidenced by a gap 502. A USB connector 503 is used for electrical connection, such as, for example, charging batteries within a temple piece 501. A USB connector 503 is also used for logical communication, such as, for example, loading a user-specific programmed light therapy schedule or offloading usage and sensor data stored by supporting electronics. A hinge area 504 is visible, at which point a temple piece 501 connects to an eyeglass frame. For scale purposes, a temple piece 501 is shown adjacent to a standard U.S. quarter dollar coin 505.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a close-up of an eyeglass temple piece 601 is now illustrated with a top half of a supporting electronics casing 602 removed. A circuit board containing supporting electronics 603 is displayed including batteries 604, a processor 605 and a USB connector 606. Wiring 607 provides logical and electrical communication between supporting electronics 603 and other components such as light sources and light sensors. A hinge area 608 is visible, where a temple piece 601 connects to an eyeglass frame. To provide a sense of scale, a temple piece 601 is shown adjacent to a standard U.S. quarter dollar coin 609.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a top down view of a first side of a circuit board containing supporting electronics 701 is illustrated. The circuit board 701 is shown removed from a casing in which it was depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. A circuit board 701 includes batteries 702, a processor 703, power terminals 704, and a USB connector 705. Wiring 706 attached to power terminals 704 provides logical and electrical communication between supporting electronics on a circuit board 701 and other components such as light sources and light sensors. A processor 703 may be used, for example, to run programmed light therapy schedules stored in memory, to analyze light sensor data and determine a unique light therapy schedule based on the wearer's exposure to ambient light, to evaluate manual changes to a programmed light therapy schedule and provide compensating adjustments, and to analyze light source and light sensor data to detect device failures. Power terminals 704 enable connection of wiring 706, allowing logical and electrical communication between supporting electronics on a circuit board 701 and other components such as light sources and light sensors. To provide a sense of scale, a circuit board 701 is shown adjacent to a standard U.S. quarter dollar coin 707.

Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrated is a top down view of a second side of a circuit board containing supporting electronics 801. The circuit board 801 is shown removed from a casing in which it was depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6. A circuit board 801 includes memory 802, capacitors 803, and power terminals 804. The USB connector of FIG. 7 (705) is seen in FIG. 8 at 805. For scale, a circuit board 801 is shown adjacent to a standard U.S. quarter dollar coin 806. Memory 802 may be used, by way of non-limiting example, to store pre-programmed light therapy schedules, to store data captured by light sensors, to store actual light therapy dates, times, durations and intensities, and to store data related to light source and light sensor operation in order to detect device failures.

Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated is a bottom view of an eyeglass frame 901 with light sources 902 embedded in the eyeglass frame 901 above lenses 903. Light sources 902 may be embedded within an eyeglass frame 901, or may be mounted on a surface of an eyeglass frame 901. Light sources 902 are connected to one another by conductive paths, not illustrated in FIG. 9. Conductive paths may be wires embedded within an eyeglass frame 901, or may be a conductive material, such as, for example, gold, silver, copper or other metallic material or conductive fiber applied to the surface of an eyeglass frame 901 via pad printing, sputter coating, vapor deposition or other known method. Conductive paths allow light sources 902 to be in electrical and logical communication with supporting electronics housed within one or both temple pieces 904. In some embodiments, supporting electronics are miniaturized such that they may be contained in other eyeglass areas, such as, for example, in areas near a hinge 905, within a frame above a lens 901, within a bridge 906, within an earpiece (not shown in FIG. 9), or other area. Light sources 902 are positioned so that light is directed onto lenses 903. Lenses 903 may include light scattering properties in areas where light is specifically directed or light scattering properties throughout the lens. Light scattering areas may include diffractive properties, refractive properties, reflective properties or any combination of diffractive, refractive and reflective properties. Light scattering areas act to diffuse light, achieving presentation of a soft glow rather than a glaring ray before a user's eye. Lenses 903 may include a coating which shields light therapy illumination from being readily noticed by an observer while not affecting a user's light therapy or vision.

Conclusion

The present invention, as described above and as further defined by the claims below, provides methods and apparatus for delivering light therapy using eyeglasses with embedded light sources. 

1. An apparatus for administering light therapy, the apparatus comprising: a spectacle frame suitably sized for wearing on a human being and securing one or more optical lenses; one or more light sources fixedly mounted to provide therapeutic light into an eye of a wearer of the spectacle frame, wherein said therapeutic light comprises blue light.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the light source emits blue light at wavelengths of 450 to 500 nanometers.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the light source emits blue light at wavelengths of 470 to 480 nanometers.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the light source emits between about 2,000 to 3,000 lux of light.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the light source emits green light at wavelengths of 475 to 525 nanometers.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the light source emits green light at wavelengths of 490 to 510 nanometers.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the light emits between about 300 to 400 lux of light.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the light source comprises one or more light emitting diodes.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein apparatus comprises one or light pipes.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the one or more light pipes comprise fiber optic pathways.
 11. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the light source emits the blue light onto at least a portion of the one or more optical lenses.
 12. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the light source emits the blue light onto at least a portion of the one or more optical lenses.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising a mechanism for controlling an amount of light provided to the eye of the wearer of the spectacle frame.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the mechanism for controlling an amount of light may be adjusted by the wearer of the spectacle frame.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the mechanism for controlling an amount of light may be adjusted by a processor executing digital software.
 16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the mechanism for controlling an amount of light may be adjusted based upon an amount of melatonin measured in the blood of a wearer of the spectacle frames.
 17. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the mechanism for controlling an amount of light may be adjusted based upon an amount of ambient light to which a wearer of the spectacle frames is exposed.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17 additionally comprising a sensor attached to the spectacle frame for measuring an amount of ambient light, wherein the sensor provides an electrical signal to the processor indicative of an amount of ambient light.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1 additionally comprising a power source in electrical communication with the one or more lights sources.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the power source comprises a rechargeable battery. 